The partial privatization of the commonwealth’s police and security training system has begun. Late last month, the government published the request for qualifications (RFQ) for entities interested in operating the public-private partnership (PPP) that will administer the projected “Center for Training and Development of Public Security,” an institution that will include the Police Academy. The RFQ says the privatization contract will last 30 years and allow the operator to use the facilities of the Police Academy in Gurabo, as well as the four shooting ranges and the training areas of the other participating agencies.

The May government is cutting £200m from police forces in England and Wales. Labour’s shadow policing minister Louise Haigh said it was “utterly appalling that people are turning to private security services to feel safe. This is the legacy of eight years of Theresa May’s austerity in policing.”

Critics denounce plans to have a crowdfunded private police force patrol wealthy London neighborhoods. The Labour leader of the opposition at Westminster council, Adam Hug, said “While the Met is facing extreme pressures because of funding cuts, this is clearly an attempt to get local businesses to pay for a security service.”

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